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Posted 31/08/2009
Mr Randall Stafford of the Stanford Prevention Research Center and Mr Caleb Alexander of the University of Chicago, USA have published several challenges that must be met if comparative-effectiveness research (CER) is to be useful in significantly improving the quality and affordability of US health care. In the 17 June 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association they write, “Researchers, policy makers, insurers, and other stakeholders have voiced enthusiasm about the value of CER that rigorously evaluates two or more drugs or devices. The most recent boost for these efforts has been the US congressional financial stimulus package that contains provisions for US$1.1 billion (Euros 787.4 million) to be devoted to this effort. The appeal of CER is undeniable. If there is one issue that stakeholders agree about, it is that increasing healthcare costs are ultimately unsustainable and society needs more value for its money. However, it is not clear whether CER, as it is commonly framed, has a comparative advantage when it comes to improving the US healthcare system. If CER is to succeed, future initiatives will need to generate data prior to the widespread adoption of a drug or device.”
